Funding models in health and social care services focused on culturally and linguistically diverse populations in Sydney, Australia

Purpose Policies that support joint access to and responsibility for funding increase participation in integrated care. However, knowledge regarding funding systems employed in integrated health and social programs are underreported. We seek to understand the different funding models in health and social care services in the Sydney Metropolitan, Australia. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative interviews were designed to map current funding models in integrated health and social care programs aligned with the Wodchis Policy Supports Framework. Findings We reviewed 24 local health and social programs. Innovative models of funds for piloting new initiatives at health programs are emerging (e.g. research grants with in-kind contributions). Two health programs had combined funding from social and health funders employing agreements as policy support. Social programs drew more on diverse funding sources than health programs. The health sector supports social care via the commissioning of services through state and federal health agencies. Practical implications The landscape of funding models for both health and social care is complex. We demonstrate that systems are adopting pooled funding and entering to agreements to reduce fragmentation. There is an opportunity to build robust systems to expand integrated funding and sharing of control of funds, given the existing collaborations and partnerships highlighted in this study. Originality/value In this paper, we contribute to building a stronger body of knowledge on the different funding models currently used in integrating health and social care services in local systems. We explore the joint control nature of funds and the type of funding systems employed, which is underreported and rarely described in academic literature, evaluations and public reports.